Anyone using 265/40/20 on their California

[Elrao]

Have seen many posts about tyres, with most focussing on ensuring the correct load rating for the California (and the debate as to whether it is 103 - per the VW option tyres or 101/102 based on the front axle weight calculation method).

A lot of this seems related to using 20" rims, with 275/35/20 tyres which seem to come in a 102 rating and people debating the legality of that (which is not the purpose of this post!). Just wondering if there is a reason people aren't using a 265/40/20 which comes with a 104 rating from Michelin, Goodyear etc. Would seem to be a similar type of tyre (sporty SUV as opposed to cross climate type). Size-wise it is bigger than the 275/35/20, but seems a good replacement for the 255/55/17 (102) that is on the vehicle now:


The 275/35/20 comes up about 700mm diameter, so you get more tyre on the 265 - so hopefully a better ride too (even though it will be harder sidewall).

Does anyone have experience with the 265/40/20, any reason NOT to go this route over the 275/35?

 

[B J G]

20" rims tend to be wide and from the Transporter Forum 275/40/20 is the 'normal' tyre fitted.

Rim protection is a factor to consider especially as the sidewall is low increasing the risk of pothole, kerb or manhole cover damage.
Rim splits/cracks seems to be a regular feature on 20" rims.

Why are you comparing a 255/55/17 to the 265/40/20. 235/55/17 is standard size?

 

[Elrao]

Ooops, been putting the info in so many times to compare different sizes and ended up with the wrong one on the "Existing" side!

Would explain the reason 265/40 is not used, as it is 4.3% out (not ~ 1%) !

Would need to be a 265/35/20 (which is very close to the 235/55/17) but those are all 99s!

Back to the 102 v 103 debate on a 275 tyre I guess!

 

[B J G]

Ooops, been putting the info in so many times to compare different sizes and ended up with the wrong one on the "Existing" side!

Would explain the reason 265/40 is not used, as it is 4.3% out (not ~ 1%) !

Would need to be a 265/35/20 (which is very close to the 235/55/17) but those are all 99s!

Back to the 102 v 103 debate on a 275 tyre I guess!

VW JCT600 supply 20" with 102 load rated tyres and did see a quote from them stating that OK for up to T30 (Cali spec

I have a 102 - 235/60/17 as a spare which is, as you reckon, fully legal. I have 106's on the other wheels.

I'd go for the 275/40/20 106 tyres due to the low profile taking such a strain on our road surfaces.
Saying that I wouldn't go beyond 18" rims. Just my view.

 

[Elrao]

I would love a 19", but very few load rated wheels in that size

 

[B J G]

I would love a 19", but very few load rated wheels in that size

most use the ones off Amoraks.
direct fit, bit less offset.

Example set

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[Elrao]

Yes, had seen that - assumed that meant they were rated sufficiently for the CF. Was wondering about Touareg wheels too.

 

[B J G]

Amorak would be OK not sure about Toureg although get quoted as suitable.

LandRover ones are also used but need suitable bolts and spacers to compensate for different Offset.

Quite a few alternatives but care needed to check actual Load rating and offset Can't rely on some suppliers getting it correct.

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[HowieDog]

275 35 20 maintain an acceptable rolling radius for speedo and are supplied by VW commercial in 102 load rating with Trident Supermetal wheels. It is sufficient for a Cali but others prefer a greater margin over and above the specified rating.

I believe the range rover wheels are 265 40 20 so pretty cheap second hand and good tyre availability hence popularity on transporters.

 

[HowieDog]

I wouldn’t have them however without properly sorting out the suspension with coilovers.

 

[AndyGreybeard]

I would love a 19", but very few load rated wheels in that size

I bought 19x9” wheels and, after a lot of research, bought these from Demon Tweeks and am very pleased with them;

Falken FK510 Azenis
275/40 ZR19 105Y XL Extra Load
Fuel ️ C, Wet A, 70db

 

[AndyGreybeard]

A reasonable selection of wheels at Rimstyle.
Put in vehicle details for load-rated wheels.
Go for ET45 to match the offset of the 20x9” wheels that VW sell.
Some ET50s listed as OK, but with 275/40 tyres they gently rub the inner part of wheelarch liners on full lock.
Mine is on H&R -50mm load rated springs.
Hope this helps.

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